Monthly Archives: July 2009

I am an old man now and have had a great many problems. Most of them never happened. Mark Twain

This Sunday our College Confirmands will be confirmed: Danika O’Neill, Zachary O’Neill and Clark Huddleston. We will receive the musical gifts of Maya and Jeff Bohnhoff for this special celebration. They will move you. Please keep the Confirmands in your prayers during their final preparations at the Retreat this weekend.

Our Nicaraguan Delegation has returned safely. They will share some stories with us in worship on August 2. Anticipate great things.

The Rock Harbor Fellowship Dance Troupe was just amazing – no wonder they received a standing ovation for their interpretive dance “Lamb of God”. And some of their members are heading to Nicaragua so it was a fortunate overlap that they could converse with our freshly returned delegation. Special thanks to Marshele Wilburn and Bob McNair for making all the arrangements.

We are having a positive response to the Chorus Request/Rehearsal for Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 pm. Achi ben Shalom will be present for the rehearsal (along with Jean and Jeanie) to assist us in preparation for Sunday, August 9. I have no doubt you will enjoy the Israeli songs and music for the day. Please join us for the rehearsal and invite friends to worship with you. Friends from the Interfaith Worship Visits Pilot Project will be with us that day too.

Our thanks to Rich Collins for getting all the exterior lighting working again!

Sue Field sends greetings from Paris.

Martha Mantei sends thanks for all the prayers. Her hip has been healing rapidly. She appreciates all the love and prayers. She hopes to see many of you at the rehearsal with Achi next Thursday.

Heritage Hospitality continues: if peanut butter and pickles isn’t your thing, then come to church for carrot cake!

If the doors of perception were cleansed
Everything would appear to us as it is, infinite. – William Blake

This Sunday we’ll receive the gift of an interpretive dance entitled “Lamb of God.” This beautiful blessing comes to us from the Dance Troupe of Rock Harbor Fellowship in San Pablo.

Our Nicaraguan Delegation returns today. We trust and pray they will arrive safely.

Peace will host a Support Gathering for people seeking work on Thursday, August 6th at 7:00 pm. Resource sharing, networking and spiritual encouragement will be part of this evening. Pick up a flyer on Sunday and speak with Joan Michel-Lehman for details.

Sacred Visits Pilot Program: Want to visit 5 different Interfaith Congregations (Peace is one of them) during August to increase your understanding of other traditions – Islamic,Buddhist, Jewish and Baha’i? Pick up the flier on Sunday or contact Andrea Goodman at goodandrea@comcast.net or 415-517-1646. This is sponsored by the Interfaith Council.

See that Debt Retirement envelope in your pew? Feel free to make a contribution at any time.

The College Confirmation group continues. Please keep them in your prayers.

Guest Musicians Jeff and Maya Bonhoff will join us on July 26th. (John Sarracino doesn’t want everyone to know that he taught his brother and sister-in-law all that they know about music.) You will enjoy this excellent duo who will bless our Confirmation Celebration that day.

Achi ben Shalom, our guest musician for August 9 has asked if a Chorus could rehearse with him on Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 at Peace. It is open to everyone. It’s a chance to learn and lead some Israeli music. Will be a joyous worship!

Our thanks to Jean Sylwanowicz for leading our worship with her music these Sundays. Sue Field is off to France. She sends word that she is drawing together a number of fine resources for weddings and their promotion on our website.

Please keep these Iranian opposition leaders in your prayers: Ali Abtahi, Mostafa Tajzadeh, Mohsen Aminzadeh and Abdollah Ramazanzadeh. It appears they are already experiencing Evin prison’s infamous practices of severe torture first-hand. For over three weeks now, these four men have been locked away without any official charges. Since being taken from their homes, they have had no contact with family members or lawyers.

“Unless we loose ourselves in every moment, every moment will be lost on us.” C. S. Lewis

What a joyous event was celebrated last Sunday with our Partnership Concert and Feast. Great performers, fine poetry, wonderful stories shared. This Sunday we will bless our Delegation as they prepare to depart on their journey this Monday. Thanks to Sue Field for her coordinating all the artists and arranging the program.

Heritage Hospitality: Bring a cherished treat from your family tradition for Hospitality Hour during the summer. Share your Family Story with us too. Talk to Pr. Anita about your contribution.

The College Age Spiritual Formation group has begun. Fascinating people and topics to explore.

Native Garden Pathway: Want to assist Ro after worship on Sunday? It will build your muscles as you beautify the Earth.

Special Guests: “Lamb of God” is a dance created by youth members of Rock Harbor Fellowship in San Pablo. They will share this dance with us in worship on July 19. Please encourage friends to join you for the day to receive this wonderful gift and honor our friends.

The Memorial Service for Phil Hellsten was a creative and joyous occasion. Peace was packed with friends and artists from the community. Please keep Phyllis and Nancy Hellsten in your prayers. The Danville Weekly is carrying this story on their online front page. Check out this link for more info or go directly to the article.

Photos of Peace Events and Worship: Be sure to check out our web page anytime you want to see photos of what’s been happening at Peace. Pr. Anita and other Peace Photographers will keep you in the know and on the scene. The photos are archived on the Peace Lutheran Church Flickr page.